Undergraduate Level

N100 Introduction to Digital Media Principles (3 cr.) The development of interactive multimedia requires principles garnered from a variety of disciplines. Through readings, critiques, exercises and discussion, students will explore what makes an interactive multimedia application successful and what types of applications are best suited to interactive multimedia. This course provides an introduction to the design of interactive multimedia drawing upon user interface design, task analysis, analysis of audience characteristics, and usability testing as well as design and editing principles from animation and video production.

N101 Topics in Interactive Multimedia (3 cr.) P: N100. Interactive multimedia is a rapidly evolving field that is significantly influenced by changes in theory, storage media, computing hardware, authoring/presentation software and communication capabilities in disciplines such as music, art, and journalism. Students will be exposed to recent trends by hands-on development of interactive media projects. These will include development of interactive multimedia for use on multiple platforms, developing multimedia that can be accessed via the Internet, real-time/real-audio interaction between users and the development of interactive CD-ROM based multimedia.

N110 Visualizing Information (3 cr.) A course to sketch visualization: perspective, projection, and actually "seeing" the world around us. The projects will be using traditional media in the beginning, and then computer—shading, shadows, and lighting.

N175 Digital Media I: Vector Imaging (3 cr.) P: N101. Vector graphics are produced using traditional visualization (sketches) and computer methods. Color theory, geometric construction, and rendering techniques are utilized in vector based graphic creation for us in new media applications. (Illustrator)

N180 Digital Media II: Raster Imaging (3 cr.) P: N101. Raster graphics are produced using traditional visualization (sketches) and computer methods. Topics will include image composition, realistic representation, digital imaging for new media, color mode and pallet usage, material and value representation. (PhotoShop)

N200 Desktop Tools for Digital Media (3 cr.) P: N101. An introduction to the principles of multimedia creation and digital effects. The class will focus on a number of different software programs including Adobe Premiere, Director Authorware, PhotoShop, SoftImage 3D, Houdini, Kodak Cineon, 3D Studio Max. Authoring, video and sound editing computer applications, as well as cyberspace protocols and language are engaged.

N204 Introduction to Interactive Media (3 cr.) P: N101. The creation of interactive multimedia products for multi-platform delivery. Topics include: the multimedia production process, audience analysis, hardware and software requirements, authoring tools, scripting, content development, interface design, distribution and development strategies. Concentration will be on real world applications for interactive multimedia. (Director)

N210 Introduction to Digital Sound (3 cr.) P: N101. An introduction to digital sound creation and editing. Topics will focus on analog sound techniques and equipment, analog to digital conversion, basic editing, formats and conversions, digital to analog conversion and basic sound effect techniques for new media. (Soundforge and Cool Edit 16)

N215 On-Line Document Development (3 cr.) P: N101. An introductory course for the creation, publication, and management of documents and images for on-line distribution. Topics include an introduction to Web site development, portable document formats, on-line publishing, document conversion, file exchanges, and image preparation. (Dreamweaver)

N230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3 cr.) P: N101, N175, N180. An introduction course to "Video" game design and development for entertainment. Topics covered will be game theory, design and development of computer-based games, current game delivery systems and software, the commercial development cycle, case studies of current games, ethical issues including the current game rating system, and emerging technical developments in game development, and current game trends. Production will be in reference to developing new levels of existing games.

N235 Introduction to Computer Simulation/Animation (3 cr.) P: N101. An introductory course covering applied three-dimensional computer graphic animation for students interested in the use of design, time and motion study, surface texture mapping, lighting, color and the technology required to produce computer animations for commercial applications in manufacturing design, marketing, training, gaming, web creation, and entertainment. (3D Studio Max)

N240 Introduction to Digital Video (3 cr.) P: N101. An introductory course covering applied video techniques for digital media production. The basics of equipment associated with analog and digital video production will be introduced. Designed for students interested in the use of design, time and motion study, lighting, color and the technology required to produce video for commercial applications in manufacturing design, marketing, training, gaming, web creation, and entertainment. (Adobe Premiere)

N250 Team Building in Technology (3 cr.) P: N101. A methods course designed to help students improve their effectiveness in solving problems and expand critical thinking when working in groups of three or more people. This course is practical in orientation including the interpersonal process, decision-making styles, problem solving concepts and procedures, the creative effort, conflict resolution, leadership, and assessment. Projects will be developed with objectives, requirements, and constraints; client requests, and implementation of the design solution, executing the design plan, and evaluating the final project.

N300 Digital Media Production (3 cr.) P: N101. This is an advanced course demanding innovational design and technical skills to meet systematic studio work on complex computational undertakings resulting in multimedia and cyber-communication projects that are conceived, observed, and analyzed. Digital skills and tools are taught in lecture and hands-on experimentation format including creative process and evaluation. Combines the production of journalism, music composition, animation/simulation, with computer transmission of imaging, sound, and video.

N302 Media Simulation Methods (3 cr.) P: N101. A study of the fundamentals and methods of building and using computer-based simulation models, including: the utility of simulation as a decision support tool; representing queuing systems in a computer model; simulated sampling from distributions of input variables; point and interval estimates of expected values of output variables, and the design of simulation sampling experiments.

N304 Interactive Media Applications (3 cr.) P: N204. Digital design methodology and techniques, control and timing, machine organization, instruction sequencing, and data flow control; control unit implementation by means of hardware and micro-programming; synchronization of input/output operations with interface design. (Director 2).

I310 Multimedia Arts: History, Criticism, and Technology (3 cr.) This studies how the paradigm shift to a digital world will effect humanity. The course will consider the evolution of media arts and its underlying principles of communications. Application development paradigms in current practice will be studied. Readings, lectures, class discussions, and research papers.

N311 The Digital Paradigm Shift: Effects in International Cultures and Society (3 cr.) This course teaches how the paradigm shift to a digital world will effect international cultures and societies. A study of the major paradigm shifts in reference to culture and society as well as the effect for the future for humanity as a culture. Based on readings, lectures, class discussions, and papers with supported citations.

N315 On-Line Document Development II (3 cr.) P: N215. Advanced creation, publication, and management of interactive publications for on-line distribution with the inclusion of emerging technologies for a media-rich experience. Topics include an interactive Web site development, animations for the Web, on-line interactive design, document conversion, file exchanges, and digital media development for on-line usage. (Dreamweaver, Flash, DeBabilizer, Fireworks)

N330 Game Design, Development, and Production (3 cr.) P: N230. Advanced game development by producing interactive computer-based games. The process learned in N230 will be put into practice by developing a story, characters, programming, and interactive game based on current trends in game development. Use of actual game development systems for current console gaming systems.

N335 Computer-Based Character Simulation/ Animation II (3 cr.) P: N235. A class to take the basics of computer animation to the next level by including character animation. Topics include character development, modeling for character animation, 3D painting for custom texture, character animation techniques, and more advanced topics in relation to animation such as particle systems. (3D Studio Max, Bryce, 3D Painter).

N340 Digital Video Production (3 cr.) P: N240. An advanced course covering applied video techniques for digital media production. More features for creating, editing, and producing digital video will be explored through collaborative production. Designed for students interested in the use of more advanced techniques utilizing video. (After Effects)

N400 Imaging and Digital Media Seminar (3 cr.) Variable titled course designed to bring guest speakers from industry as well as other disciplines on campus to expose students to the wide realm of new media and how it can be utilized in each discipline. Class discussions, assigned readings, and research papers.

N410 History and Theory of Digital Media (3 cr.) Examine the history of computer-based media, technologies and the digital information age. Topics include studying the historical components and developments, as well as present digital media, and research speculation towards the future of digital media and technologies.

N420 Multimedia Project Development (3 cr.) This course will focus on total project design and development of interactive multimedia applications. Topics to be covered include: system design and development, selection of appropriate hardware and software platforms, use of productivity tools, project management, dynamics of team-based project development, cost analysis, prototyping, pilot testing, and other evaluation techniques. Students will work in teams to develop large-scale projects.

N435 Computer Simulation/Animation III Production (3 cr.) P: N335. A more advanced class in working with computer animation. This class will focus more on greater story development and on a commercially finished product. Topics will include outputting techniques for broadcast usage, incorporation of digital sound and music, good story and character development, and development process with focus on end product.

N440 DV and CGI Special Effects (3 cr.) P: N340 and N345. An advanced course covering computer generated imagery and special effects techniques for video production as utilized in Hollywood. Techniques for creating special effects, video shooting for effects, and the use of effects to aid in the telling of a story. Topics include the integration of text, graphics, sound, video, and animation into video development software. Editing and producing special effects will be explored through projects. (After Effects, Elastic Reality, Boris FX)

N475 Research in Design Methods (3 cr.) This course is designed to give students an understanding of the advanced concepts of theoretical topics, simulation modeling and analysis concepts. Investigate applications of simulation in systems characterized by probabilistic behavior and where artists compete for scarce resources.

N485 Seminar in New Media (3 cr.) Current trends, problems, best practices and developments in new media. Students pursue a special interest and share information and experience with the group. This course is an in-depth exploration of topics and issues at the forefront of new media. Seminar-format with research papers and class discussion/ presentations.

N490 Independent Study (1-6 cr.) Research and practical experience in various areas of new media as selected by the student prior to registration, outlined in consultation with the instructor and approved by the program advisor. Total credit of Internship/ Independent Study shall not exceed 9 credit hours.

N495 Enrichment Internship (3 cr.) P: Junior standing and program advisor approval. Industry, corporate, or similar experience in new media oriented employment. Projects jointly arranged, coordinated, and evaluated by faculty and industrial supervisors. Apply during the semester prior to desired internship.